Court Officer

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 14,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking a highly motivated Court Officer to join its Recovery Team. This varied and rewarding role involves preparing and presenting court cases, negotiating with debtors, and efficiently collecting Council Tax and Housing Benefit overpayments. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience, a strong commitment to service quality, and excellent organizational skills. The position offers competitive salary benefits, professional development, and flexible working opportunities.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Generous holiday and sick pay

Subsidised parking

Public transport discounts

Free swimming and gym membership

Cycle purchase scheme

Personal and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in debt collection or related field.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Revenues legislation is required.
• Understanding of court procedures essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present cases in court.
• Negotiate effectively with debtors.
• Ensure recovery tasks are completed within timescales.

Skills

Debt collection experience

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

1 A level or 5 GCSEs including Maths and English

Level 3 qualification in a related field

Job description

• Ipswich Borough Council
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2DE
• Salary: £14,454 - £15,288 per annum
• Hours: 14.8 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0561

Ipswich Borough Council are seeking a highly motivated Court Officer to join our successful Recovery Team within the Shared Revenues Partnership, serving three Local Authorities. This is a varied and rewarding role involving the preparation and presentation of cases in Court, effective negotiation with debtors, and contributing to the efficient collection of Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and Housing Benefit overpayments.

As a Court Officer, you will:

• ensure all recovery tasks are completed within agreed timescales
• prepare court papers, statements and supporting evidence for cases referred to court
• present cases in court and engage in negotiations with debtors
• make informed decisions on further recovery action for non-payment, including attachments, enforcement agents, committals, charging orders and bankruptcy
• communicate professionally with customers and businesses in line with our Debt Policy
• resolve complex queries, provide clear explanations, and offer expert guidance on legislation, policies and procedures.

You will bring:

• at least 2 years’ relevant experience and either 1 A level, 5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) or a Level 3 qualification in a related field
• up-to-date knowledge of Revenues legislation or experience in a similar environment
• experience in debt collection and preparing court documentation
• understanding of court procedures
• strong ability to organise, prioritise, analyse information and meet tight deadlines
• a flexible, proactive approach with the ability to work independently
• excellent communication, numerical and presentation skills
• a strong customer focus and commitment to high-quality service.

As well as a good salary, we offer:

• a career grade average pension scheme
• generous holiday and sick pay entitlements
• subsidised parking for work and leisure
• public transport discounts
• free swimming and gym membership
• cycle purchase scheme
• plenty of personal and professional development opportunities
• flexible working
• hybrid working opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

For more information

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf).

Contact

Please contact either Conor Jacobs by calling 01473 433917 or by emailing [e-mail] or Laura Bull by calling 01473 433942 or by emailing [e-mail].

How to apply

Please complete your application by visiting our recruitment website.

Please note CVs are not accepted.

Closing date

11.55pm, 30 January 2026

Interview date

11 February 2026

If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please let us know so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications.